Opal fuel was originally researched, developed, and introduced by BP Australia in partnership with the Australian government and Indigenous health organizations during the mid-2000s. The formulation was specifically engineered by fuel scientists at BP to tackle the severe public health crisis of petrol sniffing affecting remote communities in central and northern regions of the country. By eliminating the aromatic hydrocarbons that cause intoxicating effects when inhaled, the creators successfully engineered a drop-in replacement fuel. Over subsequent years, other fuel distributors and refiners operating in Australia have also engaged in supplying low-aromatic alternatives under similar regional health frameworks to support the national strategy.